MSc Global Governance

The MSc Global Governance course is designed to ensure that you develop an in-depth understanding of global governance and the increasingly intertwined nature of government, business and non-governmental organisations (NGO) activities. The course focuses on debates relating to sustainable development.

It is delivered by leading academics who are experts in their field, and boasts an international teaching team who are able to share their first hand experience of cross cultural negotiation, global partnerships and new security challenges. Students on the Global Governance course benefit from regular masterclasses and sessions from noted figures from the world of business and politics. On completion of the MSc Global Governance course, you will be well equipped for senior roles in some of the top international organisations. To keep up-to-date with the latest global governance insights, read Dr Bela Arora’s Global Starter for Ten blog.

The MSc Global Governance is uniquely underpinned by the principles of the United Nations Global Compact and United Nations Principles in Responsible Management Education. The University of South Wales is a signatory of both the United Nations Global Compact and the Principles in Responsible Management Education.

The MSc Global Governance will offer you an opportunity to develop your understanding of global and local approaches to global challenges including human rights, labour rights, environmental degradation and anti-corruption. These are cross sector, global challenges that face decision makers operating at the highest level, so following completion of your studies you will be well equipped for senior roles in some of the top international organisations.

In addition, students are encouraged to take advantage of one of a number of funded or unfunded work experience placements. Previous students have successfully secured international placements at locations including Washington and at the United Nations, or with regional organisations such as Gwent Police and Bawso. Competition for placements is high and students apply directly to the host organisation, each of which have their own selection process and criteria. Some placements attract an administration fee — please refer to the ‘Fees and funding’ section below for further information.You will study 180 credits in total. Modules include:

International Human Rights Law You’ll study the historical development and procedural and institutional framework of human rights protection; gaining a critical awareness of both substantive and procedural aspects.

Global Ethics in a Globalised World Consider current controversies in global ethics from migration, climate change to terrorism and war whilst studying this module whilst applying a range of specific concepts such as ‘human rights’ and ‘global justice’ in the process.

New Security Challenges Gain an introduction to the concepts and theories of security in international relations, examining security challenges such as cyberterrorism, nuclear non-proliferation and resource wars

Conducting Research Get an introduction to the basics of how to conduct a small-scale research project and write a dissertation. This module will prepare you for working on your dissertation.

Modern SlaveryThis module discusses features of human trafficking and modern day slavery. You will examine human trafficking and anti-slavery legislation and policy at both a global and local level.

Dissertation

You will also study two of the following option modules:

Planning for Disasters and Civil Contingencies By studying this module you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to plan appropriate and effective responses to disaster risks whilst learning about the principles of risk management.

Economies, Markets and Strategic Decision Making You will carry out an analysis on the macro environment and micro frameworks within which strategic decisions are made.

Global and Strategic Issues in Leadership and Management You will undertake a negotiated small-scale enquiry into a complex issue relating to global and/or strategic issue in leadership and management.

Teaching

We use a variety of teaching styles and assessment methods. The MSc Global Governance is taught face to face and online through interactive workshops and simulations. You will also engage in supervised research. The course also benefits from strong links with international organisations, government and business and therefore, there will be optional study visits and special lectures at European institutions, the U.S. Embassy and private sector organisations.

If you choose to study full-time the course length is approximately 12 months.

Try our free online taster course

Our new Introduction to Global Governance online course has been designed to give you a taster of what it’s really like to study the MSc Global Governance. It gives you an insight into cross-sector challenges that face decision-makers, operating at the highest level as well as a greater understanding of the demands faced by some of the top international organisations.

Assessment

Formal examinations are not a feature of the course, each module will be typically assessed through coursework and presentations.

The supervised research project will take the form of a written report. Some modules will require you to develop podcasts as part of your assessments, which will become part of a collection of online educational resources. Full training and support will be given to ensure that you have appropriate levels of digital literacy to undertake all assessments.

Placements

Students on the MSc Global Governance are encouraged to take advantage of one of a number of funded or unfunded work experience placements. Previous students have successfully secured international placements at locations including Washington and at the United Nations, or with regional organisations such as Gwent Police and Bawso. Competition for placements is high and students apply directly to the host organisation, each of which have their own selection process and criteria. Some placements attract an administration fee — please refer to the ‘Fees and funding’ section below for further information.

Lecturers

Programme Leader Our global governance Masters degree is led by Dr Bela Arora who has 15 years experience of lecturing in international relations. She has provided guest lectures for a wide range of organisations including the Joint Services Command and Staff College. She has also worked on consultancy projects relating to corporate social responsibility, businesses in zones of conflict and blood diamonds.

She has a strong track record in learning and teaching innovation and always ensures a high quality student experience. She has had experience of teaching on executive programmes, and MBA modules, and is committed to providing professional delivery for students looking to enhance their careers. All members of the teaching team have been recognised for their teaching experience. Our expert practitioners have been acknowledged for their first hand experience of shaping policy and professional practice at an international level.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August
2019
- July
2020
Fees

Full-time UK and EU: TBC

Full-time International:
£13400

Part-time UK and EU: TBC

August
2020
- July
2021
Fees

Full-time UK and EU: TBC

Full-time International: TBC

Part-time UK and EU: TBC

Additional Costs

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

*
Obligatory

Item

Cost

Field Trips

All study trips are optional and some may incur a small additional cost.

Placement expenses:

Students will be required to pay for all travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with any optional non-credit bearing placements. The cost of this will vary depending upon the location and duration of the placement.
Students who wish to undertake a placement within the United Nations Exchange will incur an additional £225 administration fee.

Apply directly to the University if you are applying for a part-time, professional or postgraduate course, an Erasmus/Exchange programme, the Legal Practice (part-time) course, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution.

There is high demand for graduates with an in-depth understanding of the intertwined activities of states, businesses and nongovernmental organisations. Global governance has particular relevance to policy makers and following graduation, you will be well prepared to enter or progress further in careers in government, international organisations, the diplomatic service, nongovernmental organisations, policy work, and the voluntary sector.

You will be introduced to theories and concepts drawn from international relations, which will enable you to apply to the analysis of emerging global challenges. The supervised research project will also enable you to develop greater expertise in a specialist topic. The focus on applied analysis, real world case studies and exposure to internationally recognised business and policy professionals, will ensure that you gain practical skills that will allow you to make a direct positive contribution in your chosen profession.

Industry endorsements

“Today’s students need to have a perspective on critical global issues. This MSc programme provides knowledge on issues like human rights, good workplace and environmental standards and governance which are based on key United Nations norms and conventions. It is an innovative programme which I have not seen in this form at many other higher education institutions. I would recommend this to students who intend to become future organizational and business leaders.” Jonas Haertle, Head, Principles of Responsible Management Education Secretariat, United Nations Global Compact Office

“Governance is becoming an increasingly important topic throughout many aspects of the world we live in today. It’s not any longer just the preserve of the Corporate or Banking world, it applies equally to pan continental and global organisations and agreements. The trick is to show that governance can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of an organisation or programme and not just add a layer of bureaucracy or become ineffective because of compromise. The course content at the University of South Wales looks like a good mix of theory and practical applications that will be both interesting and fun to learn and will allow an individual to evaluate world and corporate events from a more informed standpoint."Geoff Cousins, former Global Director of Jaguar Cars

Our Careers and Employability Service

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.

Highlight Stories

The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.